The New Orleans Saints are one of the NFL’s most recognizable franchises, known for their black-and-gold identity, passionate fan base, the Caesars Superdome, and a history that includes the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship.
Founded as an NFL expansion team in 1966, the Saints began playing in 1967. Six decades later, the team is celebrating its 60th season while entering another important stage of its history.
For fans searching for the New Orleans Saints today, there are several things worth knowing: the team’s history, Super Bowl success, NFC South rivalry, current roster, quarterback situation, 2026 schedule, and where the franchise stands after the opening weeks of the current season.
Who Are the New Orleans Saints?
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the NFC South.
The franchise was awarded to New Orleans on November 1, 1966, making it the NFL’s 16th franchise at the time. The team began play the following season.
The Saints’ traditional colors are black and gold, which have helped create the team’s famous Black and Gold identity.
The team plays its home games at the Caesars Superdome, one of the most recognizable sports venues in the United States.
What does the name “Saints” mean?
The franchise was officially nicknamed the Saints in January 1967. The name also connected naturally with New Orleans’ strong cultural and musical identity, including the city’s famous association with the song “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
One small grammar point is worth remembering when writing about the team:
- Correct: The Saints are preparing for Sunday’s game.
- Incorrect: The Saints is preparing for Sunday’s game.
“Saints” is the name of the team, and sports teams are normally treated as plural in American English.
New Orleans Saints History
The Saints entered the NFL during the 1960s expansion era. Their early years were difficult, and winning seasons were not immediately common.
The franchise gradually developed a stronger identity and became an important part of New Orleans sports culture.
Several periods stand out when looking at the team’s history.
The early years
The Saints played their first regular-season game in 1967. Their inaugural season included victories over the Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins, although the team finished with a losing record.
The early Saints struggled to establish consistent success, but the franchise developed a loyal following in New Orleans.
The Tom Benson era
Tom Benson purchased the Saints in 1985. The organization later became increasingly competitive, particularly during the tenure of head coach Jim Mora.
The 1980s also produced one of the most famous defenses in franchise history: the Dome Patrol.
The Superdome became an increasingly important part of the Saints’ identity, with home games developing a reputation for an intense atmosphere.
The Drew Brees and Sean Payton era
The most successful period in Saints history arrived in the 2000s.
Quarterback Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton became the central figures of a high-powered Saints offense. Their partnership transformed New Orleans into a consistent playoff contender.
The team also benefited from major contributions from players such as:
- Reggie Bush
- Marques Colston
- Jahri Evans
- Will Smith
- Cameron Jordan
- Tracy Porter
- Alvin Kamara
The 2009 season remains the defining campaign in franchise history.
When Did the New Orleans Saints Win the Super Bowl?
The New Orleans Saints won their first and, to date, only Super Bowl championship in the 2009 season.
They defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31–17 in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010.
Drew Brees was named Super Bowl MVP after completing 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns.
One of the most memorable moments came early in the second half when New Orleans attempted an unexpected onside kick. The Saints recovered the ball, helping change the momentum of the game.
The championship was especially significant for New Orleans, and the Saints’ official history describes the 2009 title as the city’s first Super Bowl championship.
Who made the famous interception in Super Bowl XLIV?
Cornerback Tracy Porter made the interception that helped seal the Saints’ victory.
Late in the fourth quarter, Porter intercepted a Peyton Manning pass and returned it for a touchdown. The play gave New Orleans a 31–17 advantage and became one of the most iconic moments in Saints history.
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Who Is the Greatest New Orleans Saints Player?
There is no single objective answer, but Drew Brees is widely regarded as the most important player in modern Saints history.
Brees joined New Orleans in 2006 and became the franchise’s defining quarterback. His arrival coincided with the team’s transformation into a perennial contender.
His career in New Orleans included:
- Super Bowl XLIV championship
- Super Bowl MVP award
- Multiple Pro Bowl selections
- Numerous NFL passing records during his career
- A central role in the team’s most successful era
The Saints are also celebrating Brees in 2026. The organization announced that he will be inducted into the Saints Ring of Honor during the October 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Other franchise legends include Rickey Jackson, Willie Roaf, Sam Mills, Archie Manning, Morten Andersen, Reggie Bush, Jahri Evans, Will Smith, Marques Colston, Cameron Jordan and Alvin Kamara.
Who Is the New Orleans Saints Quarterback in 2026?
The Saints entered the 2026 season with a young quarterback group.
Tyler Shough is listed as the team’s first quarterback on the current unofficial depth chart, followed by Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson.
Shough entered 2026 after starting nine games for New Orleans in the previous season and posting a 5–4 record as a starter, according to the Saints’ training-camp coverage.
The quarterback position became particularly important after Derek Carr retired from the NFL. His retirement left the Saints with a much younger quarterback room and opened the way for Shough and other young players to compete for the future of the position.
Who is Spencer Rattler?
Spencer Rattler is a quarterback from South Carolina who is currently on the Saints’ active roster.
He entered the 2026 season with NFL experience and remains an important part of New Orleans’ quarterback depth. The current roster lists Rattler as the Saints’ No. 2 quarterback.
Who Is the New Orleans Saints Head Coach?
Kellen Moore is the Saints’ head coach.
Moore took over as head coach as New Orleans entered a new phase of its development. His offensive background is particularly relevant to a team working with a young quarterback group.
During the 2026 preseason, NFL.com highlighted the Saints’ offensive creativity under Moore, including contributions from young players such as Barion Brown and Spencer Rattler.
Moore’s biggest challenge is building consistency while developing a younger roster and establishing a sustainable offensive identity.
Key New Orleans Saints Players in 2026
The Saints’ current roster includes a mixture of established veterans, developing players and younger talent.
Some of the most recognizable names include:
| Player | Position | Why fans are watching |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler Shough | QB | Starting quarterback and important part of the team’s future |
| Spencer Rattler | QB | Young quarterback with NFL experience |
| Alvin Kamara | RB | Veteran offensive playmaker |
| Chris Olave | WR | One of the team’s leading receiving threats |
| Chase Young | EDGE | Experienced defensive pass rusher |
| Justin Reid | S | Veteran presence in the secondary |
| Pete Werner | LB | Established linebacker |
| Cesar Ruiz | G/C | Important offensive-line player |
| Kaden Elliss | LB | Experienced defensive contributor |
| Tyree Wilson | EDGE | Young pass-rushing talent |
The official 2026 roster confirms that these players are part of the current Saints lineup, although active rosters and depth charts can change throughout the season.
New Orleans Saints 2026 Season
The 2026 season is particularly significant because it is the franchise’s 60th season.
The Saints have planned yearlong celebrations around the milestone, including special fan experiences, historical features and tributes to important figures in franchise history.
However, the on-field results are just as important.
After four regular-season games, New Orleans is 1–3.
The Saints opened the season with a narrow 31–30 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, followed by a 24–17 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. They then lost to the Las Vegas Raiders and Atlanta Falcons.
New Orleans Saints 2026 results so far
| Week | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Detroit Lions | Loss, 31–30 OT |
| Week 2 | Baltimore Ravens | Win, 24–17 |
| Week 3 | Las Vegas Raiders | Loss, 35–27 |
| Week 4 | Atlanta Falcons | Loss, 45–24 |
The Saints currently sit at 1–3 in the NFC South after Week 4.
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New Orleans Saints 2026 Schedule
The remaining 2026 schedule includes several important NFC South games as well as matchups against teams such as the Vikings, Giants, Steelers, Browns, Packers and Cardinals.
A particularly historic game is scheduled for October 25, 2026, when the Saints face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris. The game is part of the NFL’s international schedule and represents the first NFL regular-season game played in France.
The upcoming schedule includes:
| Week | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Minnesota Vikings | New Orleans |
| 6 | New York Giants | New York |
| 7 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Paris |
| 8 | Bye | — |
| 9 | Cleveland Browns | New Orleans |
| 10 | Carolina Panthers | New Orleans |
| 11 | Chicago Bears | Chicago |
| 12 | Cincinnati Bengals | Cincinnati |
| 13 | Green Bay Packers | New Orleans |
| 14 | Carolina Panthers | Carolina |
| 15 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tampa Bay |
| 16 | Arizona Cardinals | New Orleans |
| 17 | Atlanta Falcons | Atlanta |
| 18 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | New Orleans |
The NFL notes that the Week 18 date and time are still to be determined, while some late-season scheduling can also be subject to NFL scheduling procedures.
Why the NFC South Matters to the Saints
The Saints compete in the NFC South, alongside:
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
These divisional games carry extra importance because teams play their division opponents multiple times each season and divisional performance can have a major effect on playoff positioning.
The Saints-Falcons rivalry is particularly well known. The two teams have competed against each other since the Saints’ early years, making Atlanta one of New Orleans’ oldest recurring opponents.
The Saints’ 2026 schedule includes two games against Atlanta, including a Week 4 home matchup and a Week 17 road game.
Where Do the New Orleans Saints Play?
The Saints play their home games at the Caesars Superdome in downtown New Orleans.
The stadium has been closely associated with the franchise for decades and became an especially important symbol following Hurricane Katrina and the Saints’ return to New Orleans.
The 2026 season also marks 20 years since the Saints returned to the Superdome after the disruptions caused by Hurricane Katrina.
For many fans, the Superdome is more than simply a football stadium. It is an important part of the team’s history and home-field identity.
What Makes the New Orleans Saints Unique?
Several elements distinguish the Saints from other NFL teams.
1. The Black and Gold identity
The Saints’ black-and-gold colors are among the most recognizable visual identities in the NFL.
2. A strong connection with New Orleans
The franchise is deeply connected to the culture and identity of its home city.
3. Super Bowl history
The 2009 championship remains the greatest achievement in franchise history.
4. The Superdome
The Caesars Superdome has been central to Saints football for generations.
5. A passionate fan base
Saints supporters are commonly known as the Who Dat Nation, a fan culture built around the famous “Who Dat?” chant.
Common Mistakes When Writing About the Saints
Sports content often contains simple factual or grammatical errors. Here are a few to avoid.
Mistake 1: Saying the Saints won multiple Super Bowls
Incorrect: The Saints have won several Super Bowl championships.
Correct: The Saints have won one Super Bowl championship, Super Bowl XLIV.
Mistake 2: Using singular verb agreement
Incorrect: The New Orleans Saints is playing tonight.
Correct: The New Orleans Saints are playing tonight.
Because “Saints” is plural in form, use are, have, and similar plural verbs when treating the team as a plural noun.
Mistake 3: Confusing the 2009 season with the 2010 Super Bowl date
The Saints’ championship came from the 2009 NFL season, but Super Bowl XLIV was played in February 2010.
A precise description is:
The Saints won Super Bowl XLIV after the 2009 season.
Mistake 4: Treating the current roster as permanent
NFL rosters change frequently because of injuries, trades, waivers, signings and other transactions.
When discussing current players, it is better to identify the season and check the latest official roster rather than relying on an old depth chart.
What Should Saints Fans Watch for in 2026?
The biggest storyline is the development of the team’s young quarterback and the broader transition under Kellen Moore.
The Saints also need consistent production from their offensive playmakers and continued development from younger players.
The early-season record shows that New Orleans has already experienced both sides of the team’s potential. The Saints came within one point of beating Detroit, defeated Baltimore on the road, and then suffered two losses by wider margins.
The upcoming schedule will provide several opportunities to improve the record, particularly during a stretch that includes home games against Minnesota, Cleveland, Carolina, Green Bay and Arizona.
At the same time, divisional games against Carolina, Tampa Bay and Atlanta will remain important throughout the second half of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Orleans Saints
Are the New Orleans Saints an NFL team?
Yes. The New Orleans Saints are a professional NFL team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and compete in the NFC South.
When were the New Orleans Saints founded?
The NFL awarded New Orleans its franchise on November 1, 1966. The Saints began playing during the 1967 NFL season.
How many Super Bowls have the New Orleans Saints won?
The Saints have won one Super Bowl, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31–17 in Super Bowl XLIV after the 2009 season.
Who is the Saints’ quarterback in 2026?
Tyler Shough is listed first on the Saints’ current unofficial depth chart, with Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson also listed at quarterback.
Who is the New Orleans Saints head coach?
Kellen Moore is the Saints’ head coach in the 2026 season.
Where do the Saints play their home games?
The Saints play their home games at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
What is the Saints’ record in 2026?
After four regular-season games, New Orleans is 1–3. The team defeated Baltimore but lost to Detroit, Las Vegas and Atlanta.
When do the Saints play in Paris?
The Saints are scheduled to play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris on October 25, 2026. It is scheduled as the first NFL regular-season game played in France.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Saints have evolved from an expansion franchise in 1967 into a team with a distinctive identity, a passionate fan base and a Super Bowl championship.
The 2009 season and Drew Brees era remain the high point of the franchise’s modern history, but 2026 represents another important chapter. The Saints are celebrating their 60th season while developing a younger roster and competing under head coach Kellen Moore.
For fans following the team now, the biggest questions are straightforward: Can New Orleans develop its young quarterback situation, become more consistent, compete within the NFC South and turn its 2026 season around?
The answers will take the rest of the season to determine, but the Saints’ history makes every new chapter worth following.
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